Digging a big burrow

[mary t]

Help- I've had my tort ( willie) for about 8 years. He has,started burrowing under a hibiscus tree. It wasn't to big to start with but came home today and he has doubled the size right under a section of the yard we walk on a lot. What should I do. Fill it. Leave it. Put him in the corner?? Help!@ picture doesn't do it justice.

 

[Jodie]

That face! I don't think he did it. He looks so sweet and innocent. If it was me, I would fill it in. You will probably have to put something over it to keep him from doing it again.
I have heard this can be a constant battle. You might want to dig a safe burrow for him where you would rather have it, and hope he will use it.

 

[wellington]

I believe Tom has said or done before to bury it back up and place a board over it. He can confirm @Tom This doesn't mean he may not try digging some place else. What size enclosure does he have? This might help with the reason he stated doing this other then the fact that, that's what they do

 

[Big Charlie]

He sure looks proud! If you don't fill it in, your tree will likely die or fall over or both, and your yard could collapse into the hole. We allowed Charlie's burrow to go on too long, then we realized it was under our house and we had to fill it in. I do think it is a good idea for them to have a burrow to get away from the heat, so if you can provide him a safer place to dig, I would do so.

 

[mary t]

He has a 5ft by 4 ft insulated dog house. Heated in winter and vented to stay cool in summer. Of course we are in central Florida and it's just about 2 degrees above he'll a lot of days. I will fill it in since it's getting so big. We did put in a pool for him this weekend. It doesn't look to impressive but I promise it rocks. Thanks for all your advise guys.

 

[mary t]

And to add we built to house. It's not a real dog house. It's the taj-ma-willie!

 

[Tom]

They burrow to escape the heat. Pools and shade are great, but its is still too darn hot for their liking above ground. They only way to escape the heat is to go underground. You can let them choose where to dig, or you can start a nice burrow for them in a place that you choose, and let them take over. I prefer to let them live underground in summer if they wish. Its too cold in late fall, early spring and winter. Mine get to be under ground for about 4-5 months a year.

Like this:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/sulcata-burrows.50846/

 

[Yvonne G]

Unless the dog house is in the shade, it's like a little oven inside, regardless of the vents. Tortoise houses need to be in deep shade in order to be cool enough for them.

 

[mary t]

Thanks guys. His house,is about 90 most days it is,shaded and vented. He loves his new pool. Did not like me filling in his hole. I think he Gabe me the middle claw,a,few times but he had dug it even deeper and the,walk way to the other side of my yard was getting spongy if that makes sense. Anyway I though of stating him a burrow in the middle where it would be safer for a cave in but I'll see what we decide. Thanks again for all your help

 

[Nick C]

My boy has been digging too. He is now about 8-9ft down which he seems content with. with our current cali heat he has been staying there every night for about a month now. Don't have the heart to keep him out.

 

[Lilyloveslettuse]

You have your hands full! If he digs another one I would fill it in... good luck!